News Releases

Issaquah, WA, October 6, 2003 - - Research and Industrial Corporation, RadiCo, a leading Russian developer of radiation monitoring systems, will adopt McObject's eXtremeDBTM in-memory database system and the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS as core software components in its next-generation Radiation Monitoring System (RMS), which ensures safety in nuclear power plants serving millions of customers worldwide.

eXtremeDB, which is designed to meet the growing data management needs of embedded devices, will reside in the RMS intelligent controllers distributed throughout nuclear facilities. With this improvement, RadiCo increases the system's reliability and enables faster, more localized analysis, said Dmitry Chernykh, senior RadiCo developer.

The developer also praised eXtremeDB's easy-to-use intuitive programming interface and noted that integration of a database on the controller supports expanded, data-intensive radiation monitoring capabilities.

The earlier generation of RadiCo's RMS controller collected measurements from sensors and immediately transmitted this data to the back-end server for further processing. Transmission latency and back-end performance overhead limited real-time analysis of plant radiation levels, humidity and other environmental conditions. Using eXtremeDB, the new RMS collects and analyzes measurements right on the controller, achieving much higher processing rates.

"We had to make sure the controller application could store and retrieve data in microsecond time frames, guaranteed. McObject's eXtremeDB in-memory database system is a natural choice for applications that require this kind of real-time data processing," RadiCo's senior developer said.

With the addition of real-time on-device data management, RadiCo's controllers can now operate independently-an important capability if communication with the back end is temporarily severed. "Reliability and safety are the major requirements in the nuclear industry. Keeping the most up-to-date data on the controller, and continuing to monitor plant systems in the face of communications or back-end disruption, is of paramount importance. eXtremeDB adds to this ability tremendously," said German Kashey, RadiCo chief technology officer.

The QNX Neutrino realtime operating system (RTOS) was chosen for reasons of fault-tolerance, scalability and real-time performance, the RadiCo senior software developer said. QNX Neutrino's capabilities, proven in a wide range of applications, ensure reliability even in the most demanding settings. The QNX Neutrino RTOS also supports the near-zero latency responsiveness requirements of the industrial control system.

"eXtremeDB has been developed from the start to operate in an environment where real-time performance and data safety are major requirements. Seamless integration with QNX Neutrino has once again proved beneficial for our customers," said Andrei Gorine, McObject principal architect and co-founder.

"For over two decades, developers such as RadiCo have trusted QNX OS technology to deliver exceptional realtime performance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, nonstop," said Linda Campbell, director of strategic alliances at QNX Software Systems. "The proven fault tolerance of the QNX Neutrino RTOS, combined with the optimized performance of database systems such as McObject's eXtremeDB, offers a solid foundation for any application requiring predictable response times and industrial-strength reliability."

About McObjectFounded by embedded database and real-time systems experts, McObject offers proven data management technology that makes intelligent devices smarter, more reliable and more cost-effective to develop and maintain. McObject counts among its customers industry leaders such as DaimlerChrysler, Tyco Thermal Controls, Genesis Microchip and DTN. McObject, based in Issaquah, WA, is committed to providing innovative technology and first rate services to customers and partners. The company can be reached at +1-425-831-5964, or visit www.mcobject.com.

About RadiCoResearch and Industrial Corporation, RadiCo, is based in Obnisk, Russian Federation. For the last decade the company has provided innovative technologies and world-class radiation monitoring systems and radiation control services to nuclear facilities in the Russian Federation and Europe. Power plants like Leningrad NPP, Novovoronezh NPP and Kalinin NPP depend on RadiCo technology for radiation monitoring software. Among RadiCo customers are such industry leaders as Canberra Industries and the Russian state enterprise ROSENERGOATOM. For more information visit www.radico.ru.

About QNX Software SystemsFounded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernel OS technology. The inherent reliability, scalable architecture, and small memory footprint of the QNX Neutrino RTOS make it the most trusted foundation for future-ready applications. Companies worldwide like Cisco, Delphi, Siemens, Alcatel, Texaco, and Ford depend on the QNX technology for network routers, medical devices, intelligent transportation systems, safety and security systems, next-generation robotics, and other mission-critical applications. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, QNX Software Systems maintains offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, and distributes its products in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com.

McObject is a registered trademark and eXtremeDB is a trademark of McObject LLC. QNX and Neutrino are registered trademarks of QNX Software Systems. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.